At a ceremony at the historic Elysée Palace in Paris, French president Nicolas Sarkozy awarded John Galliano the prestigious Legion of Honor award, with a ranking of Chevalier (Knight), according to WWD.

With his 14 years of work at the iconic French fashion house Dior, it only makes sense that Galliano should be applauded for his efforts.

The 49-year-old now joins the ranks of designers Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, and Ralph Lauren, who have also been decorated with the medal.

"I am honored and humbled to receive this award that I share with you all," said Galliano in a short-yet-sweet speech.

To celebrate the honor, the Gibraltar-born designer, in a big broad-brimmed hat, tailcoat, and braided pigtails, was joined by friend Kate Moss, LVMH head Bernard Arnault, and frequent collaborators milliner Stephen Jones, shoemaker Manolo Blahnik, famed wig creator Julien d'Ys, and makeup artist Pat McGrath (take a look at their amazing work for Dior here).

"He taught me how to walk when I was 14," Moss, clad in an asymmetrical Dior dress, said of Galliano.

"I've always admired what he's done," Blahnik said. "And yet I feel like he's just getting started."

Keep reading to find out which other designer at a major French house will be getting his own Legion of Honor title soon.